Method of and device for animated picture display



July 6 1926.

J. T. BEECHLYN METHOD OF AND DEVICE FOR ANIMATED PICTURE DISPLAY Filed Nov. 20. 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Inventor. JB/m Tfieec/zZ n. @M 7% BEST AVAILABLE coPx J T. BEECHLYN METHOD OF AND DEVICE FOR ANIMATED PICTURE DISPLAY Filed Nov. 20. 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l 1 I I i i l i "iI fnvenio Patented July 5, 1926.

murao STATES se b PATENT: OFFICE.

JOHN T. BEECHLYN, F WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOB TO STORY AND BEECHLYN, 02' WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, A COPARTNERSEIP CONSISTING 0! WILLIAM E. STORY, IR, AND JOHN T. BEECKLYN.

METHOD OF AND DEVICE FOR-ANIMATED PICTURE DISPLAY.

Application filed November 20, 1828. Serial No. 802,148.

My invention relates to an improved method of and device for displaying a series of pictures showing an object in different positions, in such a manner that. the object 5 appears to be in motion. The purpose of my invention is to provide a device of the character indicated, in which the picture or pictures may be viewed like any still picture,

by the light falling directly on it. The

manner in which m purpose is accomplished, and the resu ts ob incd, differ in many important respects om animated picture display devices which have been heretofore employed. I

I amaware that devices for displaying a series of different pictures in such a manner that an object appears to hem motion, have a I been heretofore constructed, and one form of such adevice is found in the so-called Zoetrope. In the Zoetrope, successive pictures of a series are fastened to the inside of a black rotating drum, and are admitted to instantaneous view through a corresponding series of slots provided in the drum at a higher level than the pictures. When the drum is rotated, the different pictures of the series appear at intervals to the observer through the slots, and the object appears to be in motion. The practical use of the Zoetrope however, is very much limited by a number of defects inherent in the device because of its mode of operation. In the first place, the observing slots must be quite marrow relative to the obscuringintervals, 35 so thatthe observer sees the picture but a small part of the time. In the second place, the intermittent viewing of the pictures results in an objectionable flicker, and it also follows that the pictures do notappear as bright as if they were viewed continuously. In addition, the difiiculty of obtaining a well illuminated picture is further increased by the fact that the pictures of the series are located inside the drum. A still further disadvantage of the Zoetrope is that the pictures may be viewed only within a narrow zone, in which the eye of an observer is in alinement with the series of slots and the pictures.

By my present invention I propose to eliminate all of the above described objectionable features of the Zoetrope device, by presenting each picture of the series stationary on the outside of my device until the next picture of the series is ready to take its place. Each picture of the series is therefore illuminated by the light falling on it from any direction, and furthermore the depicted action is completely visible at any pointremoved from the device not directly above or below. During the period of transition between different pictures of a series, while one picture is being withdrawn from view and the next substituted for it, the pictures appear to merge into each other without intermittent movement and without uppreciableblurring or flicker, owing to the .rially reduced from the number of consecutive pictures that are usually, presented during the same time .interval in accordance with standard motion picture practice. The above, and other advantageous features will hereinafter more fully appear, reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is a view, partially in section. and partially in side elevation, of a device illustrating an elementary form of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a horizontal sectional viewalong the line 22, Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a developed view of the picture band employed in the device shown in Figs.

1 and 2, with a portion of the figures there- Figs. 4: and 5 are diagrammatic views illustrating the appearance of the band for a given phase of operation of the device shown in Fig. 1.

Figs. 6 and 7 are diagrammatic views similar-t0 Figs. 4 and 5, illustrating the appearance of the band for another phase of operation of the device.

BEST AVAlLABLE COP\ Figs. 8,and 9 are diagrammatic views illustrating the appearance of the band for a third phase of operation of the device.

. Fig. 10 is a developed view of a picture band with all of its figures thereon.

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view showing the band of Fig. 10 applied to my device.

Figs. 12 and 13 are diagrammatic views illustrating modifications in the manner of applying the picture band to my device.

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. '1, showing a modification of the driving mechanism of my device.

Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic'view showing a still further modification -of my device.

'Likc reference characters refer to like parts in the different figures. I

Referrring first to Figs. 1. and 2, an elementary form of my device consists essentially of spaced concentric cylinders 0rdrums '1 and 2, which are mounted on. a plate 3, the exterior surfaces of the drums l and 2 being highly polished so as to pie-- sent a minimum amount of frictional resistance to' anything in contact therewith. The plate 3 is secured to the shaft 4 of an electric motor 5, and is adapted to rotate therewith, so that both drums 1 and 2 are adapted to revolve in unison about the axis of the motor shaft 4. 1

As best shown in Fig. 2, the outer" cylinder 2 is provided with a vertical slot-6.,thc edges of which are turned back and rounded to provide lips 7 and 8. A band 9 of flexible material, such as cloth paper or celluloid, extends around the periphery of the outer drum 2, through the s ot '3, and around the inner drum 1, the lips 7 and 8 guiding the hand 9 in an easy path from the drum 21:0 the drum 1. A braking member 10 extends between posts 11 carried the motor base 5, and is in engagement with the outer surfaces ofthe band 9 so as to apply a fries tional force thereto.

From the preceding description of the m auism shown in Figs. 1 and 2, it is apparent that when the motor 5 is operated, the plate 3 will be rotated and cause the drums l and 2 to revolve about the axis of rotation of the shaft 4. As the drums 1 and 2 more, the braking member 10, in engagementwith the band '9, prevents that-.

pictures are of two figures similar in all respects, except "forslight difierences in the portion of the band 9 on the outer drum 2,

. from moving. At the same time however,

the lip 7 at o'neside of he "slot fi will move ,3) permittingthis mogement because any tension iuthe hand between the lip, 7

and

Y the outer surface of the inner drum 1, will be constantly relieved by the recessionof the other lip 8, the band 9 slipping freely over the surface of the inner drum 1. 'In

- this niannerg=rotation of the drums "1 and 2 the motor 5, will cause theband 9 to be -of picture A whih'have disappea withdrawn from the outer'drum 2, all POT. tions of the band so'withd'rawn, being replaced by portions from the inner drum 1.

Referring now to-,Fig. 3. the band 9 is shown as hpipg remcpted from the device and spread out. For facility of explanation let it be assumed that the band is divided up into a number of equal spaces, it'beingunderstood that such division is not essential to the operation of. the device, and I do not in any way limit the scope of my invention by this assumption. In space A. then, let there be for example the picture of the arm of a man in the act of striking an anvil with a hammer. In another space B let there be a similar picture except that the arm is now shown with the hammer slightly raised from the anvil.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, the band 9 is shown as having been applied to the drums 1 and 2, the proportions of which are such that when the space "Aiis fully visible from a point directly in front of the device, the edge of the space B is just within the lip 7 of the slot 6.

Let it now be assumed that the drums- 1 and 2 are rotated in the direction of the arrow, as illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, and

that the member 10 ,is in e geme'nt with the band 9." As the lip 7 a vanees, it will causethe space B with its picture, to be drawn out on the periphery of the outer drum 2, while the receding lip 8 will allow the space A with its picture, to'be withdrawn from'the outer loop of the band. At

themoment when the slot 6 is in line with the .observer s positionO and the axis of rotationof the drum, the pictures will appear substantially as shown in-Figs. (Sand 1 7." From an inspectionof Figs. 6 and 7,

it is-apparentthat'. as portions of the ic-- ture A disappear fromview, correspon ing portions of the picture 'BjWlll. emerge from the slot to take the place of those portions red, so that any time during this transition Homplete picture, except for a..'.n at the slot 6 itselfi'wis formed :by-the-visible parts of both pictures taken together. The passage of thslot then bringsabout a progressive substitution. of one picture for the other, and it is apparent that if the two server. Th.-.tran sition between the pictures will be'complete when the'slot 6 occupies the position shown 'in Figs. 8 and 9, in

which position the picture represented by the space B will b efully exposed to the eye of the observer.

Before proceeding y further with the of the motor shaft 4.

from moving.

the lip 7 at one side of he slot fi will move BEST AVAlLABLE CUP:

Figs. 8 and 9 are diagrammatic views illustrating the appearance of the band for a third phase of operation of the device.

Fig. 10 is a developed view of a picture band with all of its figures thereon.

Fig. ll is a diagrammatic view showing the band of Fig. 10 applied to my device.

Figs. 12 and l?) are diagrammatic views illustrating modifications in the manner of applying the picture band to my device.

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. '1, showing a modification of the driving mechanism of my device.

Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic'view showing a still further modification of my device.

Like reference characters refer to like parts in the difl'erent figures.

Reterrring first to Figs. 1 and 2, an elementary form of my device consists essentially of spaced concentric cylinders or drums l and 2, which are mounted on a plate 3, the exterior surfaces of the drums l and 2 being highly polished so as to pro-- sent a minimum amount of frictional rcsistanre toanything in contact therewith. The plate 3 is secured to the shaft 4 of an electric motor 5, and is adapted to rotate therewith, so that both drums 1 and 2 are adapted to revolve in unison about the axis As best shown in Fig. 2, the outer'cylinder 2 is provided with a vertical slot 6,-thc edges of which are turned back and rounded to provide lips 7 and 8. A band 9 of flexible material, such as cloth,paper or celluloid, extends around the periphery of the outer drum 2, through the s ot '3, and aroundthe inner drum 1, the lips 7 and 8 guiding the band 9 in an easy path from the drum 2 to the drum 1. A braking member 10 extends between posts 11 carried by themotor base 5. and is in engagement with the outer surfaces of the band 9 so as to apply a fric-.

tional force thereto.

From the preemling description of the m auism shown in Figs. 1 and 2, it is apparent i hat when the motor 5 is operated, the plate 3 will be rotated and cause the drums l and 2 to revolve about the axis of rotation of the shaft 4. As the drums 1 and 2 more, the braking member 10, in engagement with the band 9, prevents that,

portion of the band 9 on the outer drum 2, At the same time however,

in the direction of rotation of "the motor shaft 4, as indicated bythe arrow, the band .i) permit-tine, this m'oyement because any tension in the hand between the lip 7 and the "outer surface of the inner drum 1,.will be constantly relieved by the reccssionof the other lip 8, the band 9 slipping freely over the surface of the inner drum 1. In

1 this in anner,'-r otation of the drums'l and 2 the motor 5, will cause the band 9 to be withdrawn from the outer'drum 2, all portions of the band so withdrawn, being replaced by portions from the inner drum 1.

Referring now to.;Fig. 3, the band 9 is shown as bgipg remqted from the device and spread out. For facility of explanation let it be assumed that the band is divided up into a number of equal spaces, it hcing understood that such division is not essential to the operation of. the device, and I do not in any way limit the scope of my invention by this assumption. In space A. then, let there be for example the picture of the arm of a man in the act of striking an anvil with a hammer. In another space B let there be a similar picture except that the arm is now shown with the hammer slightly raised from the anvil.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, the band 9 is shown as having been applied to the arrow, as illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7, and

that the member 10 is in e gement with the band 9. As the lip 7 a vances, it will cause the space B with its picture, to be drawn out on the peri hery of the outer drum 2, while the receding lip 8 will allow the space A with its picture, tobe withdrawn fromthe outer loop of the band. At

the moment when the slot 6 is in line with the observers positionO and the axis of rotation of the drum, the pictures will appear substantially as shown in Fi'gs. 6-aud 7. From an inspection of Figs. 6 and 7,

it is apparentthat as portions of the icture A disappear fromview, correspon ing portions of the picture'B will emerge from the slot to take the place of those portions -of picture A whihfhave disappeared, so

that. any time during this transitgn upgrplete picture, except for asnarrow' regm at the slot 6 itself,'i is formed :by--tl1e-visible parts of both pictures taken together. The

passage of theslot then brings about a progressive substitution. of one picture for the other,"and itis apparent thatif the two pictures are of two figures similar in all respects, except 'for slight difierences in the relative positionsof certain portions thereof, such as. the limbs, the first picture will appear to change without having apparently been withdrawn from the view of the observer. The-transition between the pictures j will be complete when the slot 6 occupies.

the position shown'in Figs. 8 and 9, in

which position the picture represented by the space B will be'fully exposed to the eye of the observer. a

Before proccedim;- y further with the that the drums 1 clearly the manner east AVAiLABLE cO discussion of my invention, I wish to cmphasize at this point the fact that the period of time occupied by the substitution of picture B for picture A is very small, since the drum is ordinarily rotated at the rate of a considerable number of turns per second, and also since the time taken for the placed by picture B, the latter 'remains' stationary andundisturbed until the slot 6, after completing its rotation, again nears the line 0' the axis of rotation of the device. At this point the original picture A may be caused to emerge from the slot, or a third picture may be caused o appear if thisthird pic- 'ture is situatedon the band 9 in the sam'e relation to picture B as picture B bears to picture A. In order' to illustrate more in which a third, fourth, 'or other succeeding pictures ma be .caused to come into the line of vision 0 the operator, Ihave shown in Fig. 10, aband 12,fin which a series of pictures is indicated as running from A to K inclusive. Fig. 11 shows the band-12 applied tothe drums,

and arranged in'such'a manner that each picture 'will be replaced on the outside of the drum by a picture bearing the next higher letter of t' e "alphabet, in other again.

words, AjVill be replaced by Byl'byrJyF In the form of the deviccwhich hasbtin by G, C b D, K by A, etc, until A is'again' replaced y B on a different part of the drum, whereupon the series starts all over In the foregoing the term picture has been employed for convenience, *but it is obvious that the display need not be one of delineated figures, but can involve many other distinguishing characterizations of the several spaces, such as'for instance that of color, tone or texture, and this general meaning of the word is implied this specification.

' In order that each space may take-up theexact position of the space it replaces;- I have found that the peripheral length of the drum 2 must be an integral number of space widths- Furthermoregif the spaces are all to replace each other-in turn, the above integer and the total number of spaces on the band must'have'no common divisor greater tlian unity. The distancebetween any point in a given space, and the corresponding point in the space which replaces it,flmeasured along the band in the sight between the observer and throughout r le direction of rotation of the drum, is obviously equal to the periphery of the drum. Under thcse'conditions, ifthe pictures AK represent successive phases of the motion of some object, the drum 2will appear tohave around its surface a row' of pictures, in each of which the object appears to' go through the entire motion represented by the picture elements, the phase of the motion in the different spaces around the drum being different.

,For purposes of illustration, Ihave sliown the band 12 to be eleven times the space width, while the peripheral length ofthe outer drum 2 is seven times the space width.

The distance between the middle of'spzie A and the middle of s ace B is the exact periphery of the outer rum 2, and also'the distance between the middle of s ace Band the middle 'Of space C,'measur alon the band 12 in the direction of thesi'na'l itirows, is equal to the peri hery'of the outer drum, "As already state the asumed division ofthe band into spaces, an'dthe rule -for determining the 'length of the band and number of pictures, has been introdudd here principally tofacilitate the understanding ofthe invention. -This rule,-"-vvhile useful in some "cases, cannot alway'si-be applied, as for. instance where it is desired to show the continued progression of an tibject in one direction around the drum, as in the case ofa travelling horse or the'like. To obtain an 'efi'e'ct-of t;his-kind,-it may be advantageous to {addto' or substract from the number of pictures that normally wohld occupy a band of given length, orev'en to increase or decrease the length of the band and the pictures thereon fromrthat'tleter mined" in accordance with "the-"given rule.

described, a single slot only in. the outer drum, has been considered. With the number of transitions per second ordinarily required-to secure-smoothnesscf the depicted action, and} which in. this case equals the number of turns per second of the drum,

tobe'vi'ewed from a considerable dist rice, is-apparent that it would be necessaryto drive the'drums at-a hi h peripheral speed greater than is practice in order to obtain the required number of icture t ansitic within-a given period 0 time. Where it is desired to employ drums of largedia meter,= I proposetherefore to provide thethe necessary peripheral speed, of the drum outer drum with anumber of slots, as -indi- -cated in Fig. 12. so that there will be two or more picture transitions for each revolution of the drums. In this modification of in invention the outer drum 13 is provided with a number of slots 14:, 15 and 16, each having turned in lips, and the band 17 is adapted to pass around a number of inner alon drums '18,,1) and20, corresponding in number to the miiiiber of slots 14, and 16.

The distance between any picture and the tween the length of the band and the periphery of the drum divided by the number of slots. It will be observed that the rule pre- 15 viously given for a band to be used with a single slot is a special case of the above.

considerable duration by employing a large number of consecutive pictures without re- 20 during the scale of the pictures too much,

it becomes necessary either to increase the diameter of the drum and the number of pictures exposed thereon, or to dispose of the extra length of band within the drum 26 by passing it over a necessary number of idler drums. Such an arrangement is illustrated in Fig. 13, where the band 21 enter:

- ing the outer drum 22 through the slot23,

isfshown passed over a plurality of inner drums 24 to 29 inclusive.

In the several forms of my device de-- scribed thus far, it has been assumed that the band on the outer drum has been kept stationary by frictional engagement with a stationary member. Itis-evident however,

that if by any 'means,'the band is caused to.

v be drawn through the slot inthe outer drum, with a speed equal to that of the periphery of the drum, the previous result will be obtained. I have found that this movement of the band through the slot can be accomplished byrotating the inner drum at a higher rate of speed than the outer drum, the inner drum being covered with some frictional material, such as rubber or felt, on which the band will not slip. Such an arrangement is shown in Fig. 14. in which the inner drum 30 is'attached to the shaft 31 of an electric motor 32, the periphery of the drum 30b6- ing covered with a layer of frictional material 33. 'lhe outer drum 34 is carried on a plate 35 having a hub 35 which is free to rotate on a bearing sleeve 36, surrounding the shaft 31. A gear 37 is provided on the plate-35 and is in mesh with a pinion 38 mounted on a stud 39X-arried by 9. lug 40 on the motor frame. The pinion 38 is adapted to turn with a gear 41 which is in meslrwith a pinion 42 mounted on the motor shaft 31. ltotati'im of, the motor shaftis adapted to directly drive't-he inner drum 3Q'at the same speed as the motor shaft. while the outer dritm 3t will be simultaneously driven at a speed less than that of the inner drum 30, through the above described gearing. I

1 From the foregoin BEST AVAFLABLE COPi have found that theratio between the speed of the outer drum and the speed of the inner drum may be determined by the following formula;

where R is the gear ratio, D is the diameter of the outer drum, and d the diameter of the inner drum. If the speed ratio be chosen in accordance with the above formula, that portion of the band on the outside of the outer drum willremain stationary without the application of frictional force thereto. A, gear ratio at variance with the rule given Y above is useful in some cases where itis Where it is desired to show an action of desired not to keep the band on the periphery of the outer drum entirely stationary, as for example, in the representation of an object moving around the drum. In this way a truly continuous progression of the band and portrayed elements can be obtained dit't'erin from the intermittent or step-by-step motion obtained by changing the width or number of the pictures as previously described. All of these methods may be used singly or in combination.

It is obvious that with the arrangement shown in Fig. 14, the movement of the band by the inner drum can be obtained by a positive drive,.such as projecting teeth on the drum coo rating with erforations in the edge of t e band.- In t is way, therelation between the various speeds of the drums with res t to the band, canbe absolutely maintained. When a positive drive, such as that mentioned above, is used between band and inner drum, it becomes.

quite practical to employ several bands, each of which is displayed on different arcs of the outer drum. An example of this forrm of my device is shown in Fig. 15, wherein bands 43 and 44 each extend partially around an outer drum'45 having slots 46 and 47. An inner drum 48 is provided with peripheral teeth 49 which are received in perforations provided along the edges of the bands 43 and 44. In this case it is evident that as a picture on one band is withdrawn,

the picture that replaces it is one belonging to the other band. This means that succeeding phases of action must be represented a1- ternately on each of the two bands.

then,'it is apparent that by my invention have provided an improved device for displaying a series of pictures or portrayals in such a manner that tb e., subjectsportrayed appear to undergo "change. My device is believed to. be distinguishable from prior devices in fundamental principles,my device being characterized by the fact that the irtures are always illuminated by thelightfallin on them fromany direction, and by the a ditional fact that any picture under 3 direct observation, is alwa s completely in sight of the observer, andtliat the substitution of one picture for another takes place Without obscuration and-occurs so quickly I and smoothly that the period of transition is practically imperceptible. A s a result,- my device is to anextraordinary degree free from flickering and poor illumination, which has characterized previous devices.

My device is believed to have a wide field of practical application in that it is sure to attract the attention of any-observer anywhere that itmay be placed. lt is believed Lthat my device will havea Wide use forad h vertising purposes and that it will be equally effective eitherwhen built on a snia ll scale, as for window displays, or on alarge scale for use on a building or any other location '-=-where the observers will be considerably re- 'moved from the device itself.

While I have shown my device .as being embodied inseveral specific iorms, it is ob vious that my inventionis not so limited, #but that the principles underlying my in- 15 vention may be applied to other devices without departing from the spiritandscopeof my invention.- I desire therefore that only such limitations be imposedthereon as. hurry-come within the. scope of the appended,

claims. i

l"elaim:-

jjl. In -a-i display: .device of the; class ,described, a carrier having a series of pictures thereon Irepresenting successive f'phases of 1 an" action, means for presenting" said car-5 rier' with. the pictures 1 indirect view; andmeans for flexingthe carrier to bring about.

cessively displayed pictnmsof-the series 40 d .with"' each"transition involving the propagation acrossthe surface. of picture' presentation of a progressive substitution of one picture for another with complementary material portions of both pictures contiguous to the zone'of picture flexiires in prop.er-relation. l Y 2. In a display de'viceofthe class described, a'carrier having a series .of pictures a. thereon representing-successive phases of an action": means for presenting said carrier with the pictures in direct view, and-means for progressively flexing one of said pica-- series of transitionseach affecting suc- EST AVAlLABLE com tur e's away from the normal surface of picture presentation and for simultaneously flexing the picture representing the next phase-o'f the action into the surface of pie ture presentation, while simultaneously displaying contiguous to the shifting zone of picture fi'exures, complementary portions ofv both pictures in pro'er elation.-

4. In a display evice of the clam described, an endless carrierhaving a series of pictures thereon. representing successive phases of an. action, with the arrangement of the pictures of the series difiering from the chronological order' of thephases means for presenting .a por tron of said carrier alongt'he' perimeter oi a substantially closed surface, an d means 1 for. actuating the carrier' to bring about a number of phase changes, tliearrangeinent of'the Epictures on the carrier being such as to render the number of phase changes in the action independentof any 'lix'ed re lation between the perimeter of the surface of presentation and thepict'ure spacings. 5..In adlsplay dev1ce, a carrier having a series of "pictures thereon representing successive phases of an action, means for presentingsaid carrier with 1 only portion thereof ex osed tojview, and means for with:

drawing? romview'a picttirebn said car rier-1,and- 1snhstituting for it'a previously conj;

cealed, picture 'r'ep"resenting" the next v phase of the action, the saidlwith'drawal ancl lthe said substitution being-carried} out. while presenting contiguouslexposed portions of chronologically. Succeeding. pictures in proper complementary-relation to givethe effect of a substantially complete pictured 6, In a display device, a carrier having a series of; pictures thereon representing successive phases of anjaction, w th the ar rangement of the. ictures in the series differing from the c ronolo 'calfo'rderjnf the phases, means for presenting said car'rier with. only a portion thereof exposedfito direetview, and means for progressivelywithdrawing from view portions of a picture "on saidlcarrier, the said withdrawal being aecompanied by a progressive. presentation to view of corresponding portions'of a pre{. viously concealed picture representuig a' phase of ,the action chronologicallysue-Q ceeding the phase representedby the picture being withdrawn,- v

7 ..jIn a display devrce, a, surface of revofllution having a slotitherein, acarrier hav ng pictures-thereon arranged onthef-sa d surface and extending into said slot, and means for causing one p ctureon said carrier to. pass through said nslotout. ofv view and another picture to emerge from said slot. I

to take its-place in view on the saidsurface while displaying complementary portions of both pictures 'onopposite sides of-the slot.

8. 1n a device for the presentation ob-pic BEST AVAlLABLE COPX 9. In a device for displaying animated pictures on a surface of revolution, an end-- less carrier having a-series of pictures thereon, pictures representing succeeding phases of action being spaced apart a distance on said carrier substantially equalto the dif ference between the length of the carrier and the erimeter of the surface of revolution divided by some integral number.

10. In a display device, a carrier having a series of pictures thereon depicting successive phases of an action, means for presenting said carrier with only a portion thereof exposed toview, and means acting on the carrier for progressively flexing from a stationary condition a icture on said carrier, the said flexure being accompanied by a rogressive fiexure vinto a stationary condition of corr onding portions of a previouslyconceal picture until the next phase of the action is fully represented, whereupon the next adjacent 'picture on the carrier is flexed in the same manner.

11. In adisplay device ofthe class described, a carrier having a series of pictures thereon showing successive phases of'an action, means for supporting said carrier with complementary portions of a pair of pictures representing successive p ases of the action in proper contiguous relation, and means acting on the carrier for shifting along said carrier the zone of conti ity between complementary portions 0 successive pairs of pictures. r

12. In a display device of the class described, a carrier having a series of pictures thereon showing successive phases of an a'ci fiion, means for presenting a portion of said carrier to direct view in a stationary condition, means acting on the carrier, for flexing a portion thereof to progressively withdraw from a stationary condition a picture thereon, and means for flexing another portion of the carrier to progressively present into a stationary condition corresponding portions of a previously concealed picture representing the next phase of the action, the said flexures of the carrier being accomplishedsimultaneously and effecting the pictures involved to a like degree;

1.3. As a display device, a carrier having a series of pictures thereon showing successive phases of an action, the numerical arrangement of the pictures differing from the chronological order of the phases and the arrangement being such that when the carrier is joined at its ends each picture is spaced uniformly from the picture preceding and succeeding it in phase relation, as measured in a given direction along the carrier.

14.. As a display device, an endless carrier bearing a series-of portrayals depicting successivc phases of an action when displayed in a sequence differing from their numerical order on the carrier, the portrayals being uniformly spaced with reference to the phase sequence, as measured in a given direction along the carrier.

15. In a display device, an endless carrier having a series of pictures thereon showing successive phases of an action, and means for supporting said carrier with portions-thereof flexed away from the normal surface of presentation, whereby complementary portions of two pictures, showing successive phases ma be simultaneously displayed in proper re ation on opposite sides of the zone of picture flexures.

16. In an animated display device for causing the presentation of a series of pic,- tures representing successive phases of an action, means for supportingsaid'pictures with portions thereo deflected away from the normal surface of presentation, and

means for bringing about the substitution of one picture for another by deflectin chronologically succeeding pictures into an out of a substantially stationary condition in the surface of presentation, with ,the minimum distance between deflected picture portions less than the width of one picture. 17. In an animated display device for causing the presentation of a series of pietures representing successive phases. of an action, means for bringing about the substitution of one picture for another by simultaneously deflecting chronolo 'cally succeeding pictures into and-1 out o a substantially stationary condition in the surface of presentation with the deflected picture portions occupying a relatively narrow zone in the surface of-presentation, and means for propagating the zone of picture deflections in an endless path.

18. The method-of producing the effect of motion by means of'a carrier having a series of pictures thereon represent-ing successive phases of an -action,which consists in presenting the carrier with portions thereof deflected awayirom the normal surface of presentation, and then bringing about'lhe progressive replacement of any-pic ture of the series by the picture representing the chronologically succeeding phase of the series by siruultancousl deflecting the pic tures involved --1n llii"rr-plzu'glneni into and out of a sul'rstantially stationary condition in the surlu'r-e of prr-seulation.

19. The method of producing the effect of motion by means of a. carrier having a series of pictures thereon representing successive phases of an action, with the numerical arrangement of the pictures differing from the phase sequence, which consists in presenting the carrier with only a portion exposed to view and then withdrawing from View a picture on said carrier and substitut- BEST AVAlLABLE COP-i ing for it a previously concealed picture repin resenting the chronologically succeeding phase of the action, while simultaneously displaying contiguous portions of both pictures in such relation as to give the effect of a single picture. 15

Dated this 17th day of November, 1922.

JOHN T. BEECHLYN. 

